President Donald Trump’s decision to cancel two planned campaign rallies has sparked questions about his strategy just days before the US midterm elections. CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins called the move unusual, noting that the president had spent much of October traveling across the country to support Republican candidates.
Trump announced the cancellations on Thursday, October 29. He had been scheduled to attend a rally in Kansas on Saturday and another in Iowa on Sunday. Both events were replaced by virtual campaign appearances as Republicans prepared for the November 3 election.
The decision came after weeks of intensive campaigning. Trump had attended several rallies throughout October, including two events in Texas on Tuesday. His speeches focused on his administration’s record and efforts to connect with voters concerned about rising living costs amid the economic impact of the war with Iran.
During an interview with Anderson Cooper on CNN’s 360°, Collins questioned why Trump was ending his in-person campaign appearances so close to Election Day.
She noted that the president frequently highlights how much time he spends on the campaign trail. According to Collins, Trump had held about 25 rallies during October, making the sudden change in his schedule stand out.
Trump was still expected to attend a campaign event in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Friday. However, that appearance was set to be his final planned in-person rally before voters cast their ballots.
The change is notable because the midterm elections could have major consequences for Trump’s remaining time in office. The results will determine control of Congress and influence how easily his administration can advance its political priorities during the final two years of his presidency.
Collins compared the current campaign with Trump’s approach to the 2018 midterm elections. She recalled that he continued holding rallies at a rapid pace as Election Day approached.
During that campaign, Trump sometimes held two or three events in a single day. Collins said the difference between his schedule then and his current plans showed how much the final stage of this election campaign had changed.
The White House has defended the decision to shift toward telephone-based campaign events. A White House official said Trump would take part in more than 20 virtual rallies before Election Day.
The official argued that the events would allow Trump to speak directly with Americans across the country. They would also give him more chances to highlight his administration’s achievements without spending time traveling between campaign stops.
Collins acknowledged that the approach could help Trump reach more voters in less time. He could participate in several events during one evening and connect with supporters in different states.
However, she stressed that virtual rallies offer a different experience from traditional campaign appearances. In-person events bring supporters together at large venues, where crowds often wait in line to hear the president speak.
Trump’s live rallies commonly last around 90 minutes or longer. His telephone-based appearances are usually much shorter, often lasting between 10 and 15 minutes. During these events, he typically speaks over the phone and reads from prepared remarks.
The format may provide greater reach and flexibility, but it cannot fully recreate the atmosphere of a crowded venue. In-person appearances also allow candidates to interact directly with supporters and create a visible show of enthusiasm.
Collins reported that some Republican officials were relieved that Trump would no longer hold several in-person rallies before the election. She shared those reactions during a later appearance on CNN’s The Source.
According to Collins, one senior Republican official said Trump had not moved the political needle in the areas he visited. Another official reportedly suggested that people who wanted to see the president had already attended his events.
The comments indicate that some Republicans may be concerned about the effect of Trump’s campaign appearances on their candidates. His rallies can energize his supporters, but party officials may also be considering whether his presence attracts undecided voters or helps candidates in competitive races.
Attention also turned to Trump’s reaction to questions about his health and demanding campaign schedule.
On Thursday, Reuters reporter Jacob Bogage asked Trump about his health after several weeks of travel and public appearances. Trump responded sharply, saying he felt well before criticizing the reporter’s appearance.
Collins defended Bogage, saying he had asked a reasonable question and had not suggested that the president was sick. She argued that questions about Trump’s health were understandable given his age and recent schedule.
She also noted that the exchange was linked to a question about the rally cancellations and whether health concerns had influenced the decision.
The White House had not provided a detailed public explanation for the change in Trump’s campaign plans in the reports discussed on Thursday.
With the election approaching, the president’s decision has added uncertainty to the final days of the Republican campaign. The shift to virtual events may help Trump reach more voters, but it has also prompted questions about why his approach differs so sharply from previous midterm campaigns.
The impact of the change will become clearer after Election Day, when the results reveal whether Republicans can maintain their position in Congress.
